Flying from San Jose to Rio De Janeiro: what you need to know
San Jose's main base, Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC), is where many great holidays begin. Explore the departure options from here when searching for a flight from San Jose to Rio De Janeiro.
Touch down at Rio De Janeiro's chief entry point, Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (GIG).
Rio De Janeiro is four hours ahead of San Jose and observes the UTC-3 timezone.
To ensure you catch your San Jose to Rio De Janeiro flight, allow plenty of time for things like check-in and baggage drop. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general rule to follow.
Travelling during a peak month like August? Busy periods (like spring break, Christmas and Thanksgiving) can easily add an hour at security. Be extra safe and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from San Jose to Rio De Janeiro
Booking early is often the key to scoring a cheap San Jose to Rio De Janeiro flight. Fares tend to rise as seats fill up, so the nearer you get to departure, the more you'll likely pay.
The 'Whole month' tool will show you the cheapest plane tickets from San Jose to Rio De Janeiro across every month. It's a good way to snap up a bargain if your plans aren't set in stone.
Locking in a cheap flight from San Jose to Rio De Janeiro couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you as soon as there's a better deal.
Pick your ideal departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines by using the filters. Alternatively, sort your San Jose to Rio De Janeiro flight results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from San Jose
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)
A stopover is the perfect opportunity to take a break from travelling — and perhaps even explore a different city. When searching for San Jose to Rio De Janeiro flights leaving from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Here are some options to consider:
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
The journey from central San Jose to SJC takes about 45 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or get a cab, you'll cover the 3 miles in 10 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Searching for a handy hotel near Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport? If you've booked an early flight from San Jose to Rio De Janeiro, these stays will put you moments from your departure gate:
84.69% of flights leaving Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport arrive at their destination on time. Given its strong on-time performance, you're unlikely to experience delays when taking off from SJC.
You'll find SJC at 1701 Airport Boulevard, Suite B-1130.
Arriving in Rio De Janeiro
Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (GIG)
Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (GIG) is approximately 8 miles from the centre of Rio De Janeiro. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive will take around 20 minutes.
It usually takes 1 hour 5 minutes to get there when travelling by public transport.
If you're arriving on a late flight from San Jose to Rio De Janeiro, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and resting not long after at one of these hotels near GIG:
Follow your own route with a Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport rental car. Book your wheels from Foco, Localiza or Movida and experience more of Rio De Janeiro and beyond.
Get the best deal by reserving your vehicle from Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport around four weeks before your travel date.
Santos Dumont Airport (SDU)
Central Rio De Janeiro is located around 1 mile from Santos Dumont Airport (SDU). After your flight from San Jose to Rio De Janeiro has landed and you've navigated your way to arrivals, the drive should take about 5 minutes.
If you choose to travel on public transport, you'll reach the centre in 15 minutes or so.
No need to worry about public transport schedules or waiting in a long cab line. Grab a Santos Dumont Airport rental car and let your trip unfold on your terms. Compare rates and availability from Foco, Localiza and Movida.
Snap up the best price by booking your ride from SDU three weeks in advance. You can also expect to have a greater range of vehicles.
Jacarepagua-Roberto Marinho Airport (RRJ)
Set off for the city centre after your flight from San Jose to Rio De Janeiro has landed. Central Rio De Janeiro is around 14 miles from Jacarepagua-Roberto Marinho Airport (RRJ) and takes roughly 40 minutes to get to by car.
If you're travelling on public transport, the journey will take you around 1 hour 25 minutes.
No squeezing into small cabs, no crowded public transport — with a Jacarepagua-Roberto Marinho Airport rental car, you're literally in the driver's seat. Browse the types of cars available here at Localiza.
Booking a couple of weeks ahead of your flight from San Jose to Rio De Janeiro is a smart move. In addition to better deals, you'll be able to choose the vehicle make and model you prefer at RRJ.
Best time to go to Rio De Janeiro
July is the most popular month for flights from San Jose to Rio De Janeiro. To skip the crowds, go to Rio De Janeiro in May.
When booking your San Jose to Rio De Janeiro tickets, consider what kind of weather you prefer. February is the warmest month in Rio De Janeiro, with temperatures ranging from 22ºC (72ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
July has average temperatures of between 17ºC (63ºF) and 27ºC (81ºF). Look for cheap flights from San Jose to Rio De Janeiro around that time if you like cooler conditions.
More about Rio De Janeiro
Start your Rio De Janeiro trip off on the right foot by choosing the ideal place to stay. After booking your flight from San Jose to Rio De Janeiro, browse our selection of hotels including:
Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain are just the start of the top-rated attractions to put on your Rio De Janeiro travel itinerary. Keep the sightseeing going at Copacabana Beach.
Explore more of Brazil
You've done Rio De Janeiro, now it's time to discover other parts of Brazil. Travel around 220 miles west to Sao Paulo to tick off its must-visit sights. From Sao Paulo Museum of Art to Ibirapuera Park and Paulista Avenue, you'll have a packed itinerary ahead.
Belo Horizonte is another essential stop in Brazil and is around 210 miles north of Rio De Janeiro. No journey is complete without visiting Abilio Barreto Historical Museum, Matiz Arte Objeto and Deck Vertedouro.
